:) Hi Ann- Marie
Thanks for your assistance . This site you recommend was the one I did most of my research on, and am quite surprised with the possibility of 1:200 radiated breasts could develop this but it has not really much publicity - perhaps - some info on it in the next Beacon, as mine, although I brought to thee attention of the medical profession 4 times, took 3 years to be diagnosed? Because survivors are living longer the delayed effects of radiation treatment effects we had are catching up with us. If angiosarcoma is found in the limbs they may even amputate, but if found in the breast, apart from mastectomy what can they amputate?
"Emphasis can be placed on understanding breast angiosarcoma post-radiation and breast-conserving therapy (BAPBCT). It accounts for 0.5% of patients undergoing a breast-conserving strategy for breast cancer. BAPBCT can present as reddish-purple patches with a hematoma-like appearance, or as a palpable tumor, purple plaques or erythematosus nodules.22 The median latency interval is 10 years and is shorter than the interval from lymphedema to angiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves Syndrome).23
Some patients develop atypical vascular proliferation (AVP) that does not meet pathologic criteria for angiosarcoma but may represent a precursor lesion or incipient angiosarcoma. This type of AVP usually presents as one or more small, flesh-colored papules or erythematous patches that arise in radiated skin. The current recommendation is that AVP should be completely excised and the patient closely followed up for any new lesions.
Atypical Vascular Proliferation (AVP) is the benign version of postradiation vascular tumors. The histology and clinical presentation of AVP can mimic angiosarcoma, and repeated biopsies may be required to clearly distinguish these two entities."
I was lucky to be diagnosed with the AVP which apparently can progress to angiosarcoma (like DCIS can to breast cancer?), rather than actual Breast Angiosarcoma Post Breast Conserving Therapy, as it may have only a 20- 50% survival rate beyond 5 years. Surveillance is still a bit fuzzy except you should be 'seen' by a physician ( GP or oncologist?) 4 x year for first year ( I'd had mine at least 4 years) and then 2 x year after 2 years. No diagnostic tests. Are mammograms any use as it looks a lot more aggressive than my original tumour and that was a triple negative? I have just been recommended a 3 monthly visit to a skin cancer clinic.
Any one else with experience in this?
Mimsi
